03/08, 12:44am
Pre-encrypted wireless router now shipping
Networking hardware producer, TrendNet, is now shipping its new Extreme Performance AC1900 (TEW-818DRU) wireless router. Powered by a 1GHz processor, high-power radio amplifiers for extended wireless coverage, and Gigabit Wireless AC networking speeds, the unit is designed to optimize wireless connections within the home. The TEW-818DRU is pre-encrypted, to help with mitigating the threat of hacking based on using unchanged default login credentials. The unit is priced at $260, and is available from retailers now.
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03/04, 10:35pm
Move likely used to bolster nationwide cell offerings by Dish
The first round of FCC wireless bandwidth auctions has concluded, with the Dish Network purchasing all of the 1,900MHz license nearly uncontested. With nearly no competition, Dish shelled out $1.6 billion for the acquisition under the cover of a shell company, as expected.
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02/17, 1:20pm
QuickerTek releases upgrade option for Apple Base Stations' wireless antenna
QuickerTek, a producer of antennas and RF products for Apple computers, has released an upgrade for the current Airport Extreme and Time Capsule base stations. The replacement wireless antenna offers dual-band 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz Wi-Fi, and triples the built-in range of the two devices. Users can arrange and use their Apple wireless device wherever desired, and easily position the upright and articulated antennas for optimal use. The upgrade is capable of boosting Apple TV as well as any other wireless networking task. The standard Airport Extreme base station does not have a built-in port to connect to the antennas, so QuickTek has a special attachment for its installation. Pricing starts at $400 for the Extreme Base Station antenna upgrade.
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02/14, 4:21pm
New deal requires 50 percent of device paid off prior to trade
Not that long after implementation, wireless carrier T-Mobile is readying significant changes to its Jump program. Starting February 23, new signatories to the frequent upgrade plan can trade in a phone whenever desired -- but users must have paid at least 50 percent of the original retail price of the device, and must also trade in the phone. The $10 monthly fee and breakage insurance remains unchanged.
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02/08, 11:45am
Wireless speaker uses induction rather than pairing
FAVI Entertainment has released a new speaker for smart phones and tablets that allows wireless connection to a device without the hassle of pairing. The Audio+ Set to Connect speaker merely requires the device to be placed on the docking space in order to connect to the speaker via induction. No fiddling with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is required.
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02/03, 7:13am
Inductive charging, screen-mounted solar panel, movement charging touted
Apple is experimenting with alternative charging methods that could be used in the rumored iWatch, claims the New York Times. Rather than charging a smart watch by plugging a wire into a port, Apple is apparently looking into using magnetic induction charging for the device, with a solar-charging layer added to a curved glass screen also touted by report sources.
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01/22, 12:17pm
Auction of 10MHz airwaves expected to fetch at least $1.6B
The Federal Communications Commission has started its first major wireless spectrum auction in six years, with more auctions set to occur over the next 24 months. The Wall Street Journal reports today's auction will be for H-block spectrum, a block of 10MHz paired airwaves which is expected to be sold for at least $1.6 billion, with Dish Network likely to be the biggest winner.
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01/11, 9:30pm
Firmware update version 2.0.3 now available for Canon EOS-1D X camera users
Canon's EOS-1D X DSLR camera has received a firmware update that is now available. Bringing new levels of accuracy and versatility to the EOS-1D camera's AF and exposure systems, more customization options are also available. Improved low-light performance and an expanded minimum shutter speed in auto ISO are included as well.
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01/06, 2:19pm
WiSA-compliant Sharp Blu-ray player ships this spring
Sharp has revealed its Universal Player and Wireless Bridge at CES, with the company claiming it to be the first Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA) Association-compliant universal player system. The SD-WH1000U's support for the WiSA open standard means that it is capable of streaming uncompressed 24-bit 96kHz sound and 1080p video wirelessly to a compatible receiver.
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12/13, 4:14pm
Can the oversized earbuds intended for vigorous exercise take the reps?
Finding a good pair of headphones for a midnight jog is hard. An over-the-ear set is either flopping around on your head, falling off, or collecting pools of sweat. Earbuds pierce ear canals in order to assure a tight grip -- or the troublesome cord that gets caught in your arm or cuts off your windpipe as it has somehow wrapped itself around your neck after the earbuds have fallen out several times. Looking to get at least one piece of trouble out of the way, iHome has put out a new Bluetooth set of earbuds -- the iHome Bluetooth Wireless Sports Earphones. Will they be a necessarily piece of equipment for an athlete? Or are they destined to be left in the locker room to collect dust? Read our review and find out.
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12/06, 6:36pm
FCC chair claims need to prevent Obamacare website-like debacle in auction
Citing a need for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to "get the enabling technology right," new chairman Tom Wheeler has delayed a spectrum auction. The auction pays television broadcasters for unused spectrum left unused after the shift to digital television. The FCC will then auction off the reclaimed spectrum to wireless carriers to expand wireless networks.
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12/03, 1:13pm
StarTech's travel router connects mobile devices to wired networks
StarTech has announced the availability of its latest product, the Wireless-N Travel Router, which lets users create a WiFi hotspot from a wired network connection. Able to connect wireless-only mobile devices (such as tablets or smartphones) to a wired network, the Wireless-N Travel Router can be powered from an iPad wall charger or any computer USB port.
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11/19, 5:14pm
PlayOn announces availability of PlayCast channel in Roku channel store
MediaMall Technologies, owner of PlayOn media server software for streaming
video content, has announced the availability of its new PlayCast channel in the Roku channel store. PlayCast allows users to send any video from a PC browser to a Roku-connected TV, much like Google's Chromecast service. When used with PlayOn, PlayCast gives users the ability to cast videos from an Internet browser. PlayCast is available in the Roku channel store; PlayOn, which can be accessed through subscription, is available in monthly, annual and lifetime payment options, starting at $9 per month.
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11/07, 3:45pm
Addonics' Wi-Fi Drive Adapter enables wireless sharing of USB drive, micro SD card
Addonics Technologies has announced its network device for wireless sharing of a USB drive or micro SD card, or for use as a wireless hotspot. The Wi-Fi Drive Adapter can share drive or card content upon insertion into the adapter. To share an Internet connection, a hotspot can be created by connecting the Wi-Fi Drive Adapter to a Local Area Network with an Internet connection. Including one RJ45 socket for 10/100Mbps Ethernet connections, the Wi-Fi Drive Adapter supports the 802.11b/g/n standard with a range of up to 150 feet. Priced at $50, the Addonic Wi-Fi Drive Adapter can be purchased online.
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10/29, 12:35pm
Series branded as Immaculate Wireless Sound
Bang & Olufsen has introduced its first wireless speakers, taking advantage of the 24bit/96kHz WiSA standard. The lineup can be used as separate modular components, or as a complete set comprising the compact BeoLab 17 bookshelf speakers, the BeoLab 18 floorstanding columns, and the BeoLab 19 subwoofer. Electronista attended the company's Manhattan launch event to hear if the new set fulfills its promise of "Immaculate Wireless Sound."
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10/03, 7:26pm
New router boasts USB 3.0 connectivity, beamforming technology
Networking company Netgear has launched its newest dual-band 802.11ac wireless router, the Nighthawk AC1900 Smart Wi-Fi Router (R7000). The Nighthawk combines a powerful 1GHz dual-core processor with a USB 3.0 port for peripheral connectivity and Netgear Beamforming+ to boost speed, reliability of connection, and best possible range for Wi-Fi 802.11ac connectivity in the home.
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09/13, 12:30pm
Wireless speaker fits in car cupholder
Accessory maker iCreation's Siri and S Voice-enabled Bluetooth wireless speaker, SpeeCup, was launched yesterday. At eight inches tall, the speaker is intended to fit in a car's cupholder, as well as be conducive for listening in various other settings, such as a boat, RV, or at a desk. SpeeCup's range is standard for Bluetooth speakers -- up to 30 feet -- and its battery capacity can last up to 20 hours. Compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, the SpeeCup is sold online in three colors (black, white and red) for $130.
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09/11, 6:54pm
Win a Minx Go portable Bluetooth speaker
Since 1968, Cambridge Audio has been in the business of making amplifiers, tuners and later CD players. Fast forward to 2013, and the company has taken on building speakers for both the budget-minded and the most discerning audiophile looking for the best of the best. On the consumer end of the scale is the Minx wireless speaker range. The Minx Go Bluetooth speaker is the smallest of the bunch, but promises to offer "big music anywhere." Electronista has one to give away to our readers.
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09/06, 4:46pm
Neutrino Thunder D3 expected for release by end of September
Akitio announced its upcoming release of its latest external storage product, the Neutrino Thunder D3. With Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 ports, the Thunder D3 is set to be available by the end of September. The two-bay unit is designed to hold 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs with a drive height of up to 15mm, enabling greater versatility than other form factor enclosures. The Thunder D3 will be available in capacities up to 4TB, and upon release can be purchased online from Akitio, Amazon and retail outlets, though pricing has not yet been announced. For reference, however, the similar Thunder Duo enclosure starts at $300 with no drives.
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08/29, 11:38am
Win one of two Satechi Bluetooth wireless smart keypads
Ever since Apple first brought their Bluetooth wireless keyboard to the market, fans and newcomers alike have cursed the design for its lack of numeric keypad. Oh sure, it's still possible to get the classic wired keyboard from Apple with a numeric keypad, but who wants to be shackled to their desk with a wire these days? Finally there is a wireless solution, the Satechi Bluetooth wireless smart keypad, which is the perfect compliment to Apple's Bluetooth keyboard. MacNN has two of these to give away to our readers.
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08/01, 2:22pm
BearExtender 1200 shipping on Aug 15
BearExtender has announced the availability of two new Wi-Fi products designed for Macs. The first, the BearExtender 1200, is a 1200mW receiver that works on the 2.4GHz 802.11n band. Featuring an upgraded high gain 5 dBi antenna and new high sensitivity receiver, the BearExtender 1200 offers up to 70 percent more power than the original BearExtender. The device is expected to ship on August 15, and preorders are currently being accepted online at the discounted price of $40. Meanwhile, the BearExtender Turbo is planned for release in October and will bring 802.11ac wireless capabilities to any Mac with a USB 3.0 port.
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07/02, 1:48pm
D-Link N300 cloud router, cut to $23
Currently, Rakuten.com has the D-Link wireless N300 cloud router for $35, which is 36 percent off the list price of $55, and until July 8, buyers can save $12 when coupon code '4E10552' is used at checkout lowering the price even further to $23 with free shipping. This router features speeds of up to 300Mbps with four Ethernet ports, and is able to let users keep an eye on things while on the go with the myDlink Cloud Services App. A one-year limited warranty is included from D-Link.
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06/12, 2:20pm
iFixit's tear down reveals one of Apple's most repairable products
Tech site iFixit has uploaded a new teardown for the latest AirPort Extreme, Apple's first 802.11ac wireless base station. Opening the device revealed an interior space to allow for a hard drive to be installed, however hopes of at-home storage upgrades were dashed by no available plug-in options on the logic board. The AirPort Extreme offers a Delta Electronics 12V, 5A power supply, much akin to Mac Mini technology. Thanks to a simply disassembly iFixit staff have categorized the wireless base station, along with Apple TV and Mac Mini, as the most repairable Apple product in recent history.
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06/03, 8:11pm
Wi-Fi boosting, weather resistant cases highlight of some models
D-Link today expanded its line of myDlink-enabled Cloud Cameras with the introduction of the Pan & Tilt Day/Night Network Camera (DCS-5020L); the Outdoor HD Wireless Day/Night Network Camera (DCS-2332L); the Day/Night Cloud Camera 1150 (DCS-933L), and the Cloud Camera 1050 (DCS-931L). Each model is designed for around-the-clock surveillance and monitoring.
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06/03, 7:20pm
New consumer bill of rights cuts contracts from three to two years
The supervisory Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) unveiled a new code of conduct for wireless providers, which (among other things) allows customers to cancel wireless contracts after two years, similar to US contracts, without cancellation penalties. Other notable changes include caps on roaming charges with a corresponding cessation of service, and the ability of the consumer to request a subsidized phone's unlock after three months as a customer in good standing.
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05/23, 6:22pm
Fee consistent with industry, added effective May 1
AT&T Wireless has started billing customers $0.61 per month as a mobility "administrative fee." The new charge came into effect May 1, and has been applied to all consumer bills, in addition to business accounts where the user pays the amount due. The new fee will add nearly $500 million to AT&T's coffers in a year.
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05/21, 1:00pm
Possibly compatible with previous models, facilitating third-party upgrades
A new Broadcom chipset spotted on a Chinese website may be a component of future Mac updates, bringing 802.11ac (known as "Gigabit Wi-Fi") and Bluetooth 4.0 to new models on a single chipset. Not only will the chip handle all wireless communication for future Mac models, but the new chip appears -- at first glance -- to be backward compatible with similar parts in recent models, opening up the possibility of aftermarket upgrades.
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05/14, 4:53pm
New model removes 30-pin dock in favor of wireless connectivity
Boutique sound system manufacturer Geneva has announced the new Model S Wireless Bluetooth streaming speaker set. The new Model S Wireless offers completely re-engineered components than the original Model S, higher-grade electronics, better speakers, drivers and the convenience of wireless connectivity.
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05/09, 8:29pm
Verizon and AT&T express interest in the general idea
According to recent reports, media companies with high-bandwidth apps are considering deals with wireless carriers to ensure users can consume the content without being slapped with data overage fines. Reportedly, sports network ESPN has had discussions with at least one carrier to subsidize users' wireless data usage, with the company paying to offset data used by subscribers.
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04/18, 10:24am
Four million iPhones activated on Verizon in quarter
Verizon has managed to secure an extra 677,000 subscribers to its postpaid wireless service in the first quarter of this year. Quarterly financial results released by the carrier show it as having a total of 720,000 net retail connections for the quarter, with its entire wireless subscriber base hitting 98.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 6.4 percent.
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01/24, 12:11pm
Experimental radio service to work around Google headquarters
Google is intending to build an experimental wireless service around its Mountain View headquarters, for currently unknown purposes. The search company has sent a request to the FCC for a license to allow the radio service to operate, and plans to test up to 50 base stations and 200 user devices during the licensed period.
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01/09, 9:15pm
Proposal frees spectrum in the 5GHz band, aiding Wi-Fi congestion
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a proposal before the FCC to open up a "substantial" quantity of additional wireless spectrum for Wi-Fi, which would in theory allow for increased speed on wireless devices. The spectrum to be made available currently belongs to several Federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, and is mostly unused at present.
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01/08, 11:40pm
One input selector, two video streamers added to lineup
Accessory manufacturer IOGear added three new products to its lineup today at the Consumer Electronics Show. The Wireless 5x2 HD Matrix, Wireless Mobile and WiDi to HDTV, and the Wireless 1080P Computer to HD Display Kit were all shown. All three devices will be available at retail shortly after conclusion of the expo.
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01/02, 7:11am
New larger Las Vegas event to start September 2014
CTIA is combining two mobile trade shows into one larger industry event, starting from next year. The US wireless industry group will merge the existing CTIA spring event, held in Las Vegas during May, with the fall event, renamed MobileCon in 2012 and takes place in San Jose in October, and create a single show that will be held between the two.
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12/14, 4:54pm
All boast better speeds, longer ranges than replaced models
D-Link today enhanced its line of cloud-enabled products with the availability of the Cloud Router 2500 (DIR-836L), Cloud Router 1100 (DIR-626L) and SharePort Mobile Companion (DIR-505L), all of which boast increased wireless speeds, extended coverage and enhanced feature sets for the home and users on-the-go.
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11/16, 4:56am
Dish in talks with number of non-industry parties
Google is rumored to be in talks with Dish Network over creating a new wireless carrier, competing against Verizon and AT&T. Though it is not clear if a Google-supported mobile phone network will come to fruition, the software giant's move to wireless mirrors early discussions it had over its gigabit fiber project in Kansas City, and could potentially end up disrupting the mobile carrier industry.
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11/14, 2:28am
Ongoing success with iPhone, iPad allowed Apple to redefine industry
The iPhone, Apple's single largest-selling product and the device that completely redefined the mobile industry, has helped catapult CEO Tim Cook to the top of Fierce Wireless' 25 Most Powerful People in Wireless survey. Cook was ranked just above Google's Larry Page and the CEOs of all four major US wireless carriers, among others in the industry. Together, Apple and Samsung garner more than 100 percent of the cell phone industry's profits, and the iPhone remains the single most popular brand in the industry.
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11/01, 8:05am
Dell Latitude 6430u premieres new co-developed chipset
Wilocity, developer of 60 GHz multi-gigabit wireless chipsets, announced today that it is jointly providing tri-band wireless chipsets with Qualcomm Atheros, for Dell's first WiGig enabled Ultrabook for business, the Latitude 6430u. Dell announced the Latitude 6430u last week and demonstrated its multi-gigabit wireless docking and networking capabilities at the Windows 8 launch attended by Dell and Microsoft executives in New York City.
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10/16, 2:46pm
Webcam has 50-foot range, Ustream compatible
Logitech has formally announced its new HD Broadcaster Wi-Fi Webcam aimed at bloggers and video professionals. Previously leaked under the name "Wireless Webcam for Mac", the camera can wirelessly transmit 720p video at a distance of up to 50 feet over Wi-Fi to an iOS device, a Mac, or a Ustream account.
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10/11, 7:45pm
Device boasts enhanced MIMO antenna, low-complexity configuration
Western Digital has revealed the My Net Wi-Fi Range Extender to expand wireless home networks into out-of-reach areas of the home. Following the introduction of its first line of wireless home networking products, the My Net family of HD dual-band routers, the new selectable dual-band range extender provides more reliable wireless network coverage to Wi-Fi connected devices that suffer from a weak Wi-Fi signal.
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10/05, 6:28pm
Moves may require 3GPP approval to extend LTE standard
According to FCC Director Julius Genachowski, the FCC has plans underway to make 300MHz of new spectrum available by 2015 to high-speed mobile carriers. The announcement was made on Thursday during a speech given at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. The agency is scheduled to auction several parcels of wavelength in the Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band, including a portion where a commercial user would share the spectrum with government users.
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09/30, 2:42pm
Evaluating plans for purchase, consolidation, future sale of spectrum
In February, Congress passed legislation allowing the FCC to re-allocate wireless spectrum by acquiring it from television broadcasters. The three-phase plan to re-acquire bandwidth has entered the rule-making process on Friday. The reverse auction process will allow the FCC to rearrange the remaining broadcasters to make larger blocks of spectrum available for other uses, such as existing wireless internet technology, or other future technologies. Unallocated spectrum will be placed up for auction, with the government expecting to make more money on the auction that it did buying the bandwidth freed by the shift to digital broadcasting. The FCC is seeking public comment on the details of the plan.
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09/08, 11:43am
Fire HD should make November 20 release date, assuming no issues
According to preorder confirmation emails, Amazon's Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch 4G tablet has yet to be approved by the FCC for sale. FCC approval is required for all wireless communication products, to assure safe operation that does not interfere with other devices, or broadcasts nearby on the spectrum. Amazon its accepting pre-orders now and is anticipating shipment on November 20.
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09/06, 5:32pm
Open meeting scheduled September 21, methodology to be discussed
Expanding a service already in place monitoring traditional wired broadband promises and performance, the US Federal Communications Commission has announced a program to monitor performance of wireless Internet service using actual data collected by volunteers. An open meeting is scheduled for September 21 at the FCC headquarters to discuss the proposal to start a program that will "develop information on mobile broadband service performance in the United States utilizing the collaborative model underlying the success of its fixed broadband program."
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09/03, 2:07pm
Universal equation considered to replace per-purchase rules
According to reports, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski plans to order a review of the "spectrum screen" used to analyze whether a company has acquired too much wireless spectrum. The FCC uses the rules to decide whether or not to approve mergers and purchases. Deals that violate the spectrum screen are given closer analysis before approval.
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08/06, 7:00pm
Bill will force renovation of dated absorption metrics
On Friday, Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) introduced bill HR 6358 to Congress, which could spawn a new national research program to study cell phones and force the FCC and EPA to update the Specific Absorption Rate methodology for determining the potential damage that radio frequency emissions can cause. The bill, should it be passed, will "examine, label, and communicate adverse human biological effects associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields from cell phones and other wireless devices, and for other purposes."
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07/19, 3:00am
AT&T could face net neutrality charges for 3G FaceTime fees
In the wake of the discovery of a dialog box implying AT&T will charge for FaceTime over 3G above and beyond existing wireless fees, Sprint has gone on record opposing the move. Sprint remains "committed to our unlimited data, and that means not charging for data consumption based on the application." When queried earlier this week, AT&T CEO Randall L. Stephenson said that it was "too early" to address FaceTime fees, and AT&T was working closely with Apple on the developer build of iOS 6. Verizon's statement was even more terse, saying only that "the timing of any pricing conversations related to future versions of iOS is premature.”
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05/28, 8:08am
Amazon first foreign company to become an NVMO in Japan
Amazon will be the first foreign company to offer a prepaid wireless service in Japan. Nikkei [account required] reports prepaid SIM cards with 500MB preallocated to it will be sold for 1,980 Yen ($25) through the website, and as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), will be carried by NTT Docomo's LTE network. This takes place ahead of the expected Japanese launch of the Amazon Kindle in the summer.
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05/22, 5:56pm
Subwoofer interacts wireless system
Sonos has introduced the Sub, a wireless subwoofer designed to work alongside the company's amplified systems with wireless support. The resin cabinet integrates a pair of acoustic ports and speaker cones, each facing inward in a configuration that is claimed to eliminate buzz or rattle, while dual Class D amplifiers provides the power.
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05/14, 9:04am
Buffalo releases new-gen 802.11ac wireless router, media bridge
Buffalo has announced that its 802.11ac next-generation Wi-Fi solution is now on the market. It has jointly made available its AirStation WZR-D1800H wireless router and its WLI-H4-D1300 wireless media bridge available so users can hook straight up to Wi-Fi speeds 3 times faster than 802.11n and 30 percent faster than Gigabit Ethernet. The new router is also dual-band capable and will support older Wi-Fi devices.
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